Food storage cup and lid with enhanced food storage

ABSTRACT

A food container adapted to store at least two different food products and a method of filling a food container are provided. The food container generally includes a container cup and a lid configured for food storage. In one embodiment, the lid includes two or more compartments. The container cup is adapted to hold a first product and the lid compartments are adapted to hold a second product and a third product. The container cup and the lid may be separately sealed. The lid and container cup can be selectively interconnected. Optionally, a first lid can be clipped or attached to a second lid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and benefits under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/643,260 filed on Mar.15, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to food containers. Morespecifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improvedfood storage containers. The containers generally include a containercup and a lid with a compartment for food storage. The container cup isadapted to hold a first product and the lid compartment is adapted tohold at least a second product.

BACKGROUND

Food processors typically can only choose from a limited number ofpreservation methods for a food product. A preservation process suitablefor one food product may be incompatible with another food product. Foodproducts may also be damaged or spoil if stored in contact with otherfood products.

Food containers must protect stored food products from contamination andspoilage. Packing requirements vary depending on the food product. Somefood products require processing after being sealed in a container.Containers and packages used to store prepared food products arefrequently suitable for storing only one type of food product.Specifically, due to processing and packaging limitations, containersfor food products are typically adapted to hold a single type of foodproduct. For example, food products which include a liquid (such assoups and beverages) are generally sealed in a container with a singlestorage compartment, such as a can. Dry foods, such as condiments ortoppings for a soup (for example, croutons, cheeses, nuts, andvegetables) are generally stored and sold separately. Thus, a consumermust purchase two separate products stored in different containers.

The following patent applications related food containers and are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,180,079,6,364,152, 8,172,103, 8,870,010, 8,939,312, 9,038,845, 9,469,459, U.S.Patent Pub. 2003/0087015, U.S. Patent Pub. 2007/0172556, U.S. PatentPub. 2013/0056463, U.S. Patent Pub. 2016/0324371, U.S. Design Pat. No.792,765, PCT Pub. WO 2013/164482, and PCT Pub. WO 2017/152189. Theaforementioned references fail to teach various novel features anddevices of the present disclosure as shown and described herein.

There has been a long-felt but unmet need to provide a food containerconfigured to store two different food products.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a food containercomprising a container cup and a lid. The container cup generallyincludes a closed end, a sidewall extending upwardly from the closedend, and an opening opposite the closed end. The lid has an upper end, alid body extending downwardly from the upper end, and a lower opening.The lid is adapted to cover or seal the open end of the container cup.At least one compartment is formed within the lid for storing a foodproduct. In various embodiments, the lid comprises two or morecompartments for storing food products with different handling andstorage requirements.

The container cup is configured to store a first product in a cupcompartment. In one embodiment, the first product is a liquid, such as asoup or a beverage. The lid compartment is operable to store at least asecond product. Optionally, the second product can be a condiment to beadded to the first product. For example, the second product maygenerally be solid, such as cheese, bread (such as a crouton), nuts,fruit, vegetables, and the like.

One or more of the first product and the second product can be sealed ina package before being positioned within the cup compartment or the lidcompartment. For example, a package of a product, such as noodles, canbe stored in the lid compartment. Optionally, at least one other productcan be stored in the lid compartment with the pre-packaged product. Thecup compartment can also be used to store two or more pre-packagedproducts, such as a dry product and a liquid product.

In one embodiment, the first product requires a first preservationprocess. The second product requires a different treatment orpreservation process.

In one embodiment, the lid includes a partition wall which divides thelid compartment into at least a first compartment and a secondcompartment. The first and second compartments are operable to storefood products prepared by different preservations processes. Morespecifically, the second compartment of the lid is operable to store athird product. The third product may comprise a seasoning (such as aspice) or other food product to be consumed with the first and secondproducts.

In one embodiment, the partition wall has a shape configured tostrengthen or increase the rigidity of the lid. Specifically, in oneembodiment, the partition wall is not planar. Optionally, the partitionwall has a shape that is fluted or furrowed. More specifically, in oneembodiment, a horizontal cross-section of the partition wall has a shapeof a wave including a plurality of crests and troughs.

In other embodiment, the shape of the partition wall is configured toreduce friction with a solid product stored in one of the first andsecond compartments. In this manner, when the lid is tilted sideways,the solid product will fall out of the compartment easily. Optionally,the shape of the partition wall can improve the flow of a liquid productfrom one of the first and second compartments. Specifically, the shapeof the partition wall may be configured to reduce suction or “glugging”when the liquid product is poured from one of the first and secondcompartments of the lid.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a lid for a food container.The lid generally includes a closed end. A body extends from the closedend to an open end which is in opposing relationship with the closedend. In one embodiment, the body includes at least a first compartmentand a second compartment which are separated by a partition wall. Afirst food product and a second food product can be stored in therespective first and second compartments. A sealing material, such asmetal foil or plastic film, can be affixed over the open end to seal thefirst and second compartments with the food products therein. Thesealing material can be affixed to a free end of the partition wallwhich is distal to the closed end. The first and second compartments canoptionally be opened at different times. For example, the first andsecond compartments can be individually sealed by a first seal and asecond seal respectively. Alternatively, a single piece of sealingmaterial can seal both the first and second compartments, but the singlepiece of sealing material can be configured to open the first and secondcompartments separately. In one embodiment, a score or tear line isformed in the single seal such that the first compartment can be openedwithout breaking the seal of the second compartment.

Optionally, the partition wall has a shape that is fluted. The flutedshape of the partition wall increases the strength of the lid.Additionally, fluting the partition wall increases the surface area ofthe free end of the partition wall compared to a partition wall of thesame thickness which is straight or planar. In this manner, the strengthof a bond between the sealing material and the partition wall isincreased.

The lid includes an attachment means proximate to the open end. Theattachment means is configured to selectively engage one of a containercup and a second lid. Accordingly, two or more lids can be selectivelyattached together. In this manner, a lid including first and second foodproducts can be attached to a second lid including third and fourth foodproducts. Optionally, the second lid can be attached to the containercup.

The lid can be formed of a thermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment, thelid comprises a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material.Alternatively, the lid can comprise polypropylene. In one embodiment,the cup is formed of one or more of PET and polypropylene.

Optionally, the lid and/or the cup can be produced by a thermal formingmethod. For example, in one embodiment, a sheet of material is heated, amold is configured to form a lid or a cup in the heated sheet, and thelid or cup is trimmed or cut from the sheet. Alternatively, the lidand/or the cup can be produced by injection molding.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a foodcontainer including at least three different food products storedtherein. The food container generally includes, but is not limited to, alid attached to a container cup.

The lid includes a body extending from a closed end to an open end. Aflange extends from the body proximate to the open end of the lid. Thelid includes at least a first compartment and a second compartmentformed within the body. A partition wall within the lid body separatesthe first and second compartments. The partition wall may be generallyplanar. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the partition wall is notplanar. Optionally, the partition wall has a shape that is furrowed andincludes a plurality of crests and troughs.

In one embodiment, the first and second compartments are ofsubstantially the same volume. Alternatively, in another embodiment, thefirst compartment has a volume that is different than the volume of thesecond compartment.

The container cup includes a closed end, a sidewall extending from theclosed end to an upper opening, and a flange extending outwardlyproximate to the upper opening. A cup compartment is defined by theclosed end and the sidewall.

A first food product is sealed in the first compartment of the lid, asecond food product is sealed in the second compartment of the lid, anda third food product is sealed in the cup compartment. In oneembodiment, the first and second compartments of the lid are sealed by asingle piece of sealing material. The single piece of sealing materialfor the first and second compartments can be configured to selectivelyopen one of the first and second compartments while the other one of thesecond and first compartments remains sealed. Optionally, the sealingmaterial comprises a disc of one of a plastic film and a metal foil. Inone embodiment, the sealing material is adhered to the lid body and to afree end of the partition wall, the free end being distal to the closedend of the lid.

The cup flange is configured to engage the lid flange. The lid and thecontainer cup are attached such that the lid flange is engaged with thecup flange. Accordingly, the open end of the lid is oriented toward theupper opening of the container cup.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a process of storing food ina food container comprising at least two storage compartments. Theprocess generally comprises: (1) treating a first food product in afirst process; (2) sealing the first food product in a compartment of alid; (3) treating a second food product with a second process; (4)filing a container cup with the second food product; (5) sealing thecontainer cup; and (6) securing the lid to the container cup. In oneembodiment, one or more of the lid compartment and the container cup aresealed with a plastic film or a metal foil. Optionally, the containercup is sealed by the same equipment which has sealed the lid. In oneembodiment, the container cup may be sealed with the lid.

In one embodiment, the first food product is treated in the firstprocess after the first food product is sealed in the compartment.Optionally, the second food product can be treated with the secondprocess after the second food product is sealed in the container cup.The first and second processes can be one or more of a steam treatment,high pressure processing (HPP), or high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)processing.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a food container configured tostore at least two different food products. The food container generallyincludes, but is not limited to, one or more of: (1) a lid having anupper end, a body, at least one lid compartment within the body, and alower opening; and (2) a container cup including a closed end, asidewall, a cup compartment defined by the sidewall and the closed end,and an upper opening, wherein the lid and the container cup areconfigured to be selectively interconnected. When the lid and thecontainer cup are selectively interconnected, the lower opening of thelid is oriented toward the upper opening of the container cup.

In one embodiment, the lid includes a partition wall dividing the atleast one lid compartment into a first compartment and a secondcompartment for storing different food products. The partition wall canoptionally divide the at least one lid compartment into three or morecompartments.

In one embodiment, the partition wall is not planar. More specifically,the partition wall can include a plurality of troughs and crests. In oneembodiment, the shape of the partition wall is selected to strengthenthe lid during sealing and increase a surface area to which a sealingmaterial, such as a plastic film or a metal foil, can be adhered.

Optionally, the food container may further include a first food productsealed in the first compartment of the lid, a second food product sealedin the second compartment of the lid, and a third food product sealed inthe cup compartment. In one embodiment, the first, second, and thirdfood products are treated with at least two different food preservationprocesses. The food preservation processes can include one or more of asteam treatment, high pressure processing (HPP), or high hydrostaticpressure (HHP) processing. In one embodiment, one or more of the first,second, and third food products can be treated after being sealed in acompartment.

In one embodiment, a method of storing food products in a food containeris provided. The method comprises: (1) preparing a first food productaccording to a first process; (2) placing the first food product in afirst compartment of a lid of the food container; (3) preparing a secondfood product according to a second process; (4) placing the second foodproduct in a second compartment of the lid; (5) sealing the first andsecond compartments of the lid; (6) preparing a third food productaccording to a third process; (7) placing the third food product in acompartment of a container cup of the food container; (8) sealing thecompartment of the container cup; and (9) attaching the lid to thecontainer cup. Optionally, the first and second compartments are sealedsubstantially simultaneously.

In one embodiment, one or more of the first, second, and third foodproducts are prepared (or treated) after the respective first and secondlid compartment or the container cup compartment has been sealed.Sealing the first and second compartments may include adhering a disc ofplastic film or metal foil to the lid. Optionally, the compartment ofthe container cup can be sealed by the disc adhered to the lid when thelid is attached to the container cup. Alternatively, the container cupcompartment is sealed by a second disc of plastic film or metal foil.

In one embodiment, the lid includes at least three compartments. It isfurther contemplated that additional lids are prepared in a similarmanner, and a user is provided with the option of selecting andselectively attaching a plurality of lids to a product at apoint-of-sale. In such embodiments, a user is provided with anearly-infinite array of options for food additives and supplementsbased on user-preference, etc.

By way of example, the first food product is contemplated as comprisingone of a cracker and a bread. Optionally, the second food product is acheese. Additionally, the third food product can include a liquid, suchas a soup or a broth.

Attaching the lid to the container cup can further include orienting alower opening of the lid toward an upper opening of the container cupsuch that, after the lid is attached to the container cup, the lid loweropening is proximate to the upper opening of the container cup.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a food storage systemconfigured to store at least two different food products, comprising:(1) a first lid including a first body with an upper end, a loweropening, and a first compartment within the first body; (2) a second lidincluding a second body with an upper end, a lower opening, and a secondcompartment within the second body, the second lid being configured toselectively attach to the first lid; and (3) a container cup with aclosed end, a sidewall, a cup compartment defined by the sidewall andthe closed end, and an upper opening, the first and second lids beingconfigured to be selectively interconnected to the container cup. Thefirst and second lids can include one or more of a snap, a hook and loopmaterial, and an adhesive to facilitate attachment of the first lid tothe second lid. Optionally, an attachment means of the first lid can beused to attach the first lid to the second lid.

In one embodiment, a first food product is provided within the firstcompartment, a second food product is provided within the secondcompartment, and a third food product is provided within the cupcompartment. Optionally, the first and second food products are treatedwith two different food preservation processes. In another embodiment,the first lid includes a partition wall dividing the first compartmentinto a first storage area and a second storage area. Accordingly, thefirst lid can optionally store two different food products.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first body can be oriented at anangle of between approximately 93° and 99° relative to a plane definedby the upper end.

The first body can optionally include indentations forming scallops. Inone embodiment, the indentations extend from a lower portion of thefirst body to the upper end of the first lid.

In one embodiment, the first lid includes an attachment means configuredto selectively interconnect to an engagement means of the container cup.The attachment means of the first lid may comprise a first flange withan outer curl, the first flange extending from the first body. Theengagement means of the container cup can include a second flangeextending from the sidewall.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a food container configuredto store at least two different food products. The foot containergenerally includes, but is not limited to: (1) a lid having: (a) anupper end; (b) a body; (c) at least one lid compartment within the body;(d) a lower opening; (e) a first flange extending outwardly from thebody; (f) a curl extending downwardly from an outer portion of the firstflange; and (g) an engagement feature extending inwardly from aninwardly facing surface of the curl; and (2) a container cup including:(i) a closed end; (ii) a sidewall; (iii) a cup compartment defined bythe sidewall and the closed end; (iv) an upper opening; (v) a secondflange extending outwardly from the sidewall; and (vi) a free end thatextends downwardly from an outer portion of the second flange, whereinthe annular bead of the lid is configured to selectively engage thecontainer cup to interconnect the lid to the container cup.

In one embodiment, the engagement feature comprises an inwardly orientedprotrusion. The protrusion can have a shape that is generally rounded,such as like an annular bead. Alternatively, the protrusion can have agenerally planar shape and a triangular cross section. Optionally, asecond flange can extend outwardly from the engagement feature.

The lid can be formed of a PET material. Optionally, the container cupcan also be formed of a PET material.

In one embodiment, the lid includes a partition wall dividing the atleast one lid compartment into a first compartment and a secondcompartment for storing different food products. Optionally, a firstfood product is sealed in the first compartment of the lid, a secondfood product is sealed in the second compartment of the lid, and a thirdfood product is sealed in the cup compartment. In one embodiment, thefirst, second, and third food products have been treated with at leasttwo different food preservation processes.

In one embodiment, when the lid and the container cup areinterconnected, the lower opening of the lid is oriented toward theupper opening of the container cup. Additionally, or alternatively, whenthe lid and the container cup are interconnected, a lower surface of thefirst flange is generally parallel to an upper surface of the secondflange and the annular bead contacts a lower surface of the free end ofthe second flange.

Still another aspect is a lid for a food storage system, comprising: (1)a body with an upper end, a lower opening, and a compartment within thebody that is configured to store a food product; (2) a flange extendingoutwardly from the body; (3) a curl extending downwardly from an outerportion of the flange; and (4) an engagement feature extending inwardlyfrom an interior surface of the curl such that the flange is configuredto engage a portion of a container cup to selectively interconnect thelid to the container cup. In one embodiment, the flange is approximatelyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicularto the upper end. In another embodiment, the curl slopes outwardlyrelative to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the curl is generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the engagement feature is an annular bead.

The lid can optionally include a flange curl extending outwardly from alowermost portion of the engagement feature. The second flange can beoriented approximately parallel to the flange extending from the body.

Optionally, the lid can further comprise a partition wall to divide thecompartment into a first compartment and a second compartment forstoring two different food products. In one embodiment, the partitionwall is fluted such that a horizontal cross-section of the partitionwall includes a crest and a trough.

The body of the lid can slope outwardly from the upper end to the loweropening. More specifically, in one embodiment, the body slopes outwardlyat an angle of between approximately 3° and 9° relative to alongitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the upper end.

In one embodiment, the lid comprises a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)material. Optionally, the lid can be produced by a thermal formingmethod.

In another embodiment, at least one product is sealed in the compartmentof the lid. The product can be sealed in a package before being placedin the compartment. In one embodiment, the product comprises a packageof noodles.

The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure.The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in theSummary as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Descriptionand no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intendedby either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc.in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure willbecome more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularlywhen taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the general description of the disclosure given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a food container of one embodimentof the present disclosure including a lid interconnected to a containercup;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the food containertaken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the foodcontainer illustrating a curl of the lid engaged to a flange of thecontainer cup;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lid of one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the lid of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the lid of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the lid taken alongline 7A-7A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional front elevation view similar to FIG. 7A butillustrating a lid of another embodiment of the present disclosure thatincludes only one compartment;

FIG. 8 is an expanded partial front elevation view of the lid of FIG.7A;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the lid of FIG. 4 and showing apartition wall within a compartment of the cup;

FIG. 10 is another front elevation view of the lid of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the lid taken along line11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a container cup of one embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the container cup of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the container cup of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the container cup of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the container cuptaken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an expanded partial front elevation view of the container cupof FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a lid of another embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the lid of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the lid of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 20; and

FIG. 22 is an expanded view of a portion of the lid of FIG. 21;

Similar components and/or features may have the same reference number.Components of the same type may be distinguished by a letter followingthe reference number. If only the reference number is used, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components havingthe same reference number. To assist in the understanding of oneembodiment of the present invention the following list of components andassociated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

Number Component  4 Container  8 Lid 10 Upper end 11 Adhesive layer 12Body 13 Recess 14 Grip element or scallop 16 Compartment 18 Interiorsurface 20 Partition wall 21 Free end 22 Crest 24 Intermediate element26 Attachment means 28 Flange of lid 28A Lower surface of flange 30 Curl30A Interior surface of the curl 32 Engagement feature such as anannular bead 32A Engagement feature such as a protrusion 33 Outer flange34 Lower opening 36 Gap 36A Length of gap 40 Container cup 42 Closed end44 Dome 46 Rib 48 Sidewall 50 Flange of container cup 52 Free end 52ADistance between free end and the flange of the cup 54 Compartment 56Upper opening 58 Flange outer surface

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a container 4 according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the container 4 generally comprises a lid8 and a container cup 40. Optionally, the lid 8 and the container cup 40can be formed of one or more of a plastic, an extruded polystyrene foam,a paper, and similar materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-11, the lid 8 includes an upper end 10, a body12 extending downwardly from the upper end 10, and a lower opening 34 inopposing relationship to the upper end 10. The body 12 is substantiallyhollow and defines at least one compartment 16.

Optionally, the body 12 tapers inwardly toward the upper end 10.Accordingly, in one embodiment, the lower opening 34 has a diameterwhich is greater than a diameter of the upper end 10. In one embodiment,body 12 slopes inwardly at an angle of less than approximately 10°.

The lid 8 is configured to selectively attach to the container cup 40 byan attachment means 26. In one embodiment, the attachment means 26 isadapted to snap onto the container cup 40.

The attachment means 26 can comprise a flange 28, illustrated in FIGS. 3and 8, that extends from the body 12. The flange 28 includes a curl 30and an annular bead 32 that faces inwardly. Optionally, the flange 28extends substantially radially away from the body 12. More specifically,in one embodiment the flange 28 is oriented generally perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the lid 8, the longitudinal axis beingapproximately perpendicular to the upper end 10 of the lid.

Optionally, the curl 30 slopes outwardly relative to the longitudinalaxis. In one embodiment, the curl 30 is oriented at an angle of betweenapproximately 1° and approximately 10°, or approximately 3° with respectto the longitudinal axis of the lid 8. The flange 28 extends outwardlyfrom the body 12 such that an interior surface 30A of the curl 30 isspaced a predetermined distance from the body 12. In one embodiment, thecurl interior surface 30A is at least approximately 0.190 inches fromthe body 12. The curl interior surface 30A can optionally be betweenapproximately 0.190 inches and approximately 0.205 inches from the body12.

The annular bead 32 extends inwardly from the curl interior surface 30A.Optionally, the annular bead can have a rounded or curved surface. Inone embodiment, a vertical cross-section of the annular bead 32 has ashape that is generally hemispherical. The annular bead 32 can be spacedfrom a lower surface 28A of the flange 28 by a predetermined distance36A. In this manner, the lower surface 28A and the bead 32 define a gap36. In one embodiment, the distance 36A is at least approximately 0.08inches. The gap 36 is configured to receive a flange 50 of a containercup 40 as generally illustrated in FIG. 3.

The attachment means 26 may selectively attach the lid to the containercup in other ways. For example, in one embodiment, the attachment means26 includes threads which engage corresponding threads formed on thecontainer cup.

Optionally, two or more lids 8 may be joined together. For example, at apoint of sale, a consumer may select two or more lids 8 with foodproducts to be consumed with a food product sealed in a container cup40. Each lid 8 may include two or more different food products. Afterselecting the two or more lids 8, the consumer can connect the secondlid to the first lid. One of the first and second lids can also beconnected to the container cup 40 selected by the consumer.

In one embodiment, the attachment means 26 of a first lid 8 isconfigured to engage bot a flange of a container cup and a body 12 of asecond lid 8. For example, the first lid 8 can be joined to the secondlid 8 using the attachment means 26.

In another embodiment, lids 8 of the present disclosure can beselectively interconnected together with a snap fit or similar means.For example, the lids can include a projection and a recess. Aprojection of a first lid can engage a recess of a second lid toselectively interconnect the first and second lids together. Optionally,the projection and recess can be positioned on an exterior surface ofthe upper end 10 of the lids.

In still another embodiment, the lids can include a hook and loopmaterial, such as Velcro®, that can be used to join two or more lids 8together.

Additionally, or alternatively, in another embodiment of the presentdisclosure a first lid 8 can be releasably joined to a second lid 8 byan adhesive 11. For example, a consumer can remove a cover from anadhesive layer or tape 11 on the first lid 8. The consumer can then usethe exposed adhesive layer to selectively join the second lid to thefirst lid. In one embodiment, the lids 8 include an adhesive layer 11 onan exterior surface of the upper end 10 such as generally illustrated inFIG. 5. The adhesive layer 11 can be covered by a protective coverconfigured to be removed by a consumer. Optionally, the consumer canjoin the upper end 10 of the first lid to the upper end 10 of the secondlid. Alternatively, the consumer can join the upper end 10 of the firstlid to a seal covering the lower opening and compartment of the secondlid.

In one embodiment, a lid 8A can have only one interior compartment 16 asgenerally illustrated in FIG. 7B. Alternatively, and referring now toFIG. 7A, in another embodiment a partition wall 20 optionally extendsfrom an interior surface 18 of the body 12. The partition wall 20divides the compartment 16 into at least a first compartment 16A and asecond compartment 16B. The partition wall 20 includes a free end 21positioned distal to the closed upper end 10 of the lid 8.

Optionally, the first and second compartments 16A, 16B are ofsubstantially the same volume. Alternatively, one of the compartments16A may have a different volume than the other compartment 16B. Althoughonly one partition wall 20 is illustrated, the lid 8 may include two ormore partition walls forming from two to six compartments 16 in the lid.

The compartment 16 can be sealed by a disc (not illustrated) comprisinga plastic film or metal foil. The sealing disc may be affixed the body12. More specifically, in one embodiment, a sealing disc is affixed toat least a portion of the flange 28 and the free end 21 of the partitionwall to seal the first and second compartments 16A, 16B. Optionally, thesealing disc can be configured to permit opening the first and secondcompartments 16A, 16B individually at separate times. The sealing disccan be scored or configured to tear along the free end 21 of thepartition wall 20 such that one of the compartments 16 can be openedwhile the other one of the compartments remains sealed. In oneembodiment, the first and second compartments 16A, 16B are individuallysealed by separate pieces of sealing plastic or metal foil.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 9, and 11, in one embodiment, the partitionwall 20 has a shape that is fluted or furrowed. More specifically, ahorizontal cross-section of the partition wall 20 may have a shape of awave. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 11, the partition wall 20may comprise a plurality of crests 22 connected by intermediate elements24. In one embodiment, the intermediate elements 24 are generallyplanar. Alternatively, the intermediate elements 24 may have an arcuateshape. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the furrowedpartition wall 20 increases the rigidity of the lid.

The fluted shape of the partition wall 20 provides several benefits. Forexample, the fluted shape can increase the strength or rigidity of thelid 8. The fluted partition wall 20 also increases the surface area ofthe free end 21. Accordingly, more surface area is provided on the freeend 21 to adhere a sealing disc to the lid 8. In this manner, thestrength of the seal between the sealing disc and the lid is improved.

The fluted shape of the partition wall 20 can also improve the releaseof food products from the first and second compartments 16A, 16B. Thefluted shape can reduce suction and improve pouring of a liquid productfrom one of the compartments 16A, 16B. For example, the crests 22 of thepartition wall can improve air flow into a compartment as a liquidproduct is poured from the compartment, resulting in an even flow andpreventing or reducing “glugging”. The crests 22 can also reducefriction between the partition wall 20 and a generally solid foodproduct stored in a compartment 16. Accordingly, the generally solidfood product can be removed from the compartment more easily.

Optionally, the body 12 includes grip features 14. The grip features 14may comprise a plurality of scallops. The grip features 14 are best seenin FIG. 5 proximate the intersection of the body 12 and the upper end10.

A lid 8 may be colored to indicate a food product stored in one or moreof the compartments 16. For example, a first lid may have a first coloror indicia indicative of a first product stored in a compartment. Asecond lid can have a second color or indicia related to a secondproduct stored in a compartment.

Each lid 8 may optionally have a color or indicia associated with eachfood product stored in the two or more compartments 16. Accordingly, alid 8 with two compartments 16A, 16B can have a first color or indiciaassociated with a first food product to be stored in the firstcompartment 16A and a second color or indicia associated with a secondfood product to be stored in the second compartment 16B.

Similarly, a second lid which has three compartments 16 can have a thirdcolor or indicia associated with a third food product to be stored in afirst compartment. The second lid can also include a fourth color orindicia associated with a fourth product to be stored in a secondcompartment and a fifth color or indicia associated with a fifth productto be stored in a third compartment of the second lid.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-17, a container cup 40 of one embodiment ofthe present disclosure is illustrated. The container cup 40 generallyincludes a closed end 42, a sidewall 48 extending upwardly from theclosed end, and an upper opening 56 in an opposing relationship to theclosed end 42. The closed end and sidewall define a compartment 54.

Optionally, at least a portion of the sidewall 48 can be covered by aninsulating material. For example, the sidewall can be at least partiallycovered by a second material that is different than a material fromwhich the container cup 40 is formed. In one embodiment, the secondmaterial comprises a plastic, an extruded polystyrene foam, a paper,rubber, and similar materials. Optionally, the second material can bepaperboard. Additionally, the insulating material can be removablyaffixed to an exterior surface of the sidewall 48. Alternatively, theinsulating material can be permanently affixed to the sidewall. Indicia,such as a product description including text, can be formed on one ormore of the sidewall 48 and the insulating material.

In one embodiment, the closed end 42 has a shape of an inwardly orienteddome 44. One or more ribs 46 may extend inwardly from the sidewall 48and attach to the closed end.

The sidewall 48 is configured to selectively engage the lid 8. In oneembodiment, a flange 50 extends from the sidewall.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the flange 50 extends a predetermined distance52A from the sidewall 48. In one embodiment, the distance 52A is betweenapproximately 0.190 inches and approximately 0.220 inches. The flange 50may extend substantially radially from the sidewall 48. Morespecifically, the flange 50 can be oriented approximately perpendicularto a longitudinal axis of the cup 40. Additionally, or alternatively, anouter surface 58 of the flange 50 can be oriented transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the cup. Optionally, the outer surface 58 can beoriented at an angle of between approximately 1° and approximate 5°, orabout 3° relative to the cup longitudinal axis.

The flange 50 optionally includes a free end 52 that extends downwardlytowards the closed end 42. The free end 52 of the flange 50 can have arounded cross-sectional profile. The free end 52 is spaced apredetermined distance 52A from the flange 50. In one embodiment, thedistance 52A between the free end 52 and the flange 50 is betweenapproximately 0.18 inches and approximately 0.10 inches or approximately0.090 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the cup flange 50 isconfigured to be substantially parallel to the lid flange 28 when thelid 8 is affixed to the cup 40. Additionally, the free end 52 of the cupflange 50 can fit into the gap 36 between the lid flange 28 and theannular bead 32 of the cup. In one embodiment, the lid annular bead 32contacts a lower surface of the free end 52 when the lid 8 is affixed tothe cup 40.

The lid flange 28 and the cup flange 50 optionally form engagementsurfaces for seals to close the compartments 16, 54 of the lid 8 andcontainer cup 40. The seals may comprise a plastic film or a foil discor sheet. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a lower surface of thelid flange 28 may be offset from an upper surface of the cup flange 50when the lid 8 and container cup 40 are interconnected to form thecontainer 4.

Referring again to FIGS. 12-17, the sidewall 48 of the cup 40 canoptionally taper inwardly toward the closed end 42. Specifically, in oneembodiment, the upper opening 56 has a diameter which is greater than adiameter of the closed end 42. In one embodiment, the sidewall 48 slopesinwardly at an angle of less than approximately 10°. Optionally, theangle of the cup sidewall 48 is approximately opposite to the angle ofthe lid body 12. In one embodiment, the sidewall 48 slopes inwardly atan angle of between approximately 5° and approximately 8°.

Dimensions are included in FIGS. 3-7, 9-11 and 13-16 to illustrateexemplary embodiments of the lid 8 and the container cup 40 of thepresent disclosure. However, it is expressly contemplated thatdimensions may be varied in the lid 8 and the container cup 40 and stillcomport with the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The lid 8 optionally has a height of between approximately 1.25 inchesand 2.25 inches or approximately 1.5 inches and an interior diameter ofthe lower opening 34 is between approximately 3.0 inches and 4.25inches. In one embodiment, the body has a thickness of betweenapproximately 0.025 inches and approximately 0.055 inches with thepartition wall 20 being between approximately 0.065 inches andapproximately 0.095 inches thick.

In one embodiment, the sidewall 48 of the container cup has a thicknessof between approximately 0.025 inches and approximately 0.045 inches.The container cup 40 has a height of between approximately 3.5 inchesand 5.0 inches. Optionally, a diameter of the closed end 42 is betweenapproximately 2.25 inches and approximately 3.5 inches. The upperopening has an interior diameter of between about 3.0 inches and 4.25inches.

The lid 8 and container cup 40 may be filled with different foodproducts. In one embodiment, a first food product is prepared accordingto a first process. The first food product is then placed in acompartment 16 of the lid 8. The open end 34 of the lid 8 is thensealed. Optionally, a disc of a sealing material is interconnected tothe lid flange 28. The sealing material can also be interconnected tothe free end 21 of the partition wall. The disc may be of any suitablematerial known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, thematerial comprises a plastic film or a metal foil.

Continuing this example, a second food product is prepared according toa second process. The compartment 54 of the container cup 40 is thenfilled with the second food product. The open end 56 of the containercup 40 is then sealed. In one embodiment, a disc of sealing material isinterconnected to the cup flange 50. Optionally, the sealing material isone of a plastic film and a metal foil. The sealing material may be thesame as, or different than, the material used to seal the lid loweropening.

Food products can be treated before or after being positioned in the lidcompartment 16 and/or the cup compartment 54. Optionally, thecompartments 16, 54 can be sealed before food products therein aretreated. In one embodiment, food products stored in compartments 16, 54can be treated by one or more of a stream process, high pressureprocessing, high hydrostatic pressure processing, and the like.

Optionally, the lid 8 may be connected to the container cup 40. When thelid 8 and container cup 40 are interconnected, the lid opening 34 isoriented toward the cup opening 56. In one embodiment, a single disc ofsealing material can seal both the lid compartment 16 and the cupcompartment 54. More specifically, the sealing material can be adheredto the lid 8 to seal the lid compartment. The lid may then be alignedwith the container cup 40 with the sealing material facing the upperopening 56 of the container cup. When the lid is connected to thecontainer cup, the sealing material adhered to the lid 8 will also sealthe cup upper opening 56.

Alternatively, the lid 8 and container cup 40 may by stored, shipped,and sold separately. In one embodiment, lids 8 with a plurality ofdifferent food products may be offered for sale separately fromcontainer cups 40 with two or more different food products. In thismanner, a customer can select a container cup 40 with a desired foodproduct and a lid 8 with a complimentary food product. For example, afirst container cup may include oatmeal and a second container cup maystore yogurt. A first lid may store nuts and a second lid may containdried or fresh fruit.

Optionally, the first and second lids can each contain two or more foodproducts. In various embodiments, the lids can be selectivelyinterconnected providing the consumer the flexibility to create a customcontainer 4. For example, the consumer may select a first lid and asecond lid which each contain two compartments with two or more desiredproducts. The consumer can then connect the first lid to the second lid.A container cup 40 with another desired food product may be selected bythe consumer from a plurality of container cups containing differentfood products. One of the first and second lids 8 can then be connectedto the selected container cup 40 by the consumer. In this manner, theconsumer can create a container 4 which includes a container cup 40 witha first food product, a first lid 8 with one or more food products, andat least a second lid 8 with one or more additional food products.Additionally, it is contemplated that a user may continue to select andpurchase lids of the present disclosure without a limitation onquantity. A user may select a plurality of lids in accordance with thepresent disclosure and is not limited to any particular lid or group oflids.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-22, a lid 8B of another embodiment of thepresent disclosure is generally illustrated. The lid 8B includes many ofthe same, or similar, features of other embodiments of lids disclosedherein, including the lids 8, 8A described in conjunction with FIGS.4-11. In one embodiment, the lid 8B has the same dimensions as the lid 8described herein.

Lid 8B generally includes an upper end 10, a body 12 extendingdownwardly from the upper end 10, and a lower opening 34 in opposingrelationship to the upper end 10. The body 12 is substantially hollowand defines at least one compartment 16.

Optionally, the body 12 tapers inwardly toward the upper end 10.Accordingly, in one embodiment, the lower opening 34 has a diameterwhich is greater than a diameter of the upper end 10. In one embodiment,body 12 slopes inwardly at an angle of less than approximately 10°.

A portion of the upper end 10 can optionally include a depression orrecess 13. The recess can be configured to increase the strength of thelid 8B.

The lid 8B is configured to selectively attach to a container cup 40 ofany embodiment of the present disclosure by an attachment means 26. Inone embodiment, the attachment means 26 is adapted to snap onto thecontainer cup 40.

The attachment means 26 can comprise a flange 28, illustrated in FIG.22, that extends from the body 12. The flange 28 includes a curl 30 andan inwardly oriented engagement feature 32A. The engagement feature canbe a protrusion 32A oriented inwardly.

Optionally, the flange 28 extends substantially radially away from thebody 12. More specifically, in one embodiment the flange 28 is orientedgenerally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the lid 8B, thelongitudinal axis being approximately perpendicular to the upper end 10of the lid.

In one embodiment, the curl 30 is oriented substantially parallelrelative to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the curl 30 isoriented at an angle less than approximately 2° with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the lid 8B. The flange 28 extends outwardly fromthe body 12 such that an interior surface 30A of the curl 30 is spaced apredetermined distance from the body 12. In one embodiment, the curlinterior surface 30A is at least approximately 0.190 inches from thebody 12. The curl interior surface 30A can optionally be betweenapproximately 0.190 inches and approximately 0.205 inches from the body12.

The protrusion 32A is similar to the annular bead 32 of the lid 8. Morespecifically, the protrusion 32 extends inwardly from the curl interiorsurface 30A. Optionally, the protrusion 32A can have a verticalcross-sectional profile of a triangle. The protrusion 32A can be spacedfrom a lower surface 28A of the flange 28 by a predetermined distance36A. In this manner, the lower surface 28A and the protrusion 32A definea gap 36. In one embodiment, the distance 36A is at least approximately0.11 inches, or optionally about 0.1 inches. The gap 36 is configured toreceive a flange 50 of a container cup 40 in a manner similar to thatshown in FIG. 3.

The cup 8B can optionally include an outer flange 33. More specifically,an outer flange 33 can extend from the protrusion 32A. In oneembodiment, the outer flange 33 is oriented approximately parallel tothe first flange 28. The outer flange can have an outer diameter ofbetween approximately 4.1 inches and approximately 4.5 inches, orapproximately 4.30 inches.

The outer flange 33 can optionally be configured as a lever tofacilitate separating the lid 8B from a container cup 40. Morespecifically, a user can apply a force to the outer flange 33 to bendthe outer flange 33 upwardly toward the upper end of the lid. In thismanner, the protrusion 32A can be bent or hinged outwardly to increasethe minimum interior diameter of the protrusion 32A.

The lid 8B can be formed of a thermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment,the lid comprises a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material.

Optionally, the lid can be produced by a thermal forming method. Forexample, in one embodiment, a sheet of PET material is heated. A lidmold which is configured to form a lid is pressed into the heated sheetof PET. The lid is subsequently cut from the sheet.

One or more products can be stored in a compartment 16 of the lid 8B.Optionally, the lid 8B can include a partition wall 20 and two or morecompartments 16. In one embodiment, the compartment 16 of the lid 8B canbe sealed with a sealing material, such as a plastic, a metal foil, or apaper. Additionally, or alternatively, a product can be sealed in apackage before being positioned within the compartment 16 of the lid 8B.In one embodiment, a package of a product, such as noodles, is storedthe lid compartment 16.

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about” or “approximately”. Accordingly, unlessotherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions,conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in the specification andclaims may be increased or decreased by approximately 5% to achievesatisfactory results.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be usedinterchangeably herein.

While various embodiments of the disclosed device have been described indetail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and alterations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in thefollowing claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capableof other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out invarious ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology used herein is for the purposes of description andshould not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,”“comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as wellas, additional items.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosureto the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing description forexample, various features of the disclosure have been identified. Itshould be appreciated that these features may be combined together intoa single embodiment or in various other combinations as appropriate. Thedimensions of the component pieces may also vary, yet still be withinthe scope of the disclosure. Moreover, though the description hasincluded description of one or more embodiments and certain variationsand modifications, other variations and modifications are within thescope of the disclosure, e.g. as may be within the skill and knowledgeof those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It isintended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or notsuch alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, includes components,methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depictedand described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations,and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how tomake and use the devices of the disclosure after understanding thepresent disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments,includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items notdepicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof,including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previousdevices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving easeand/or reducing cost of implementation. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any singleforegoing disclosed embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A food storage system configured to store atleast two different food products, comprising: a first lid including afirst body with an upper end, a lower opening, and a first compartmentwithin the first body; a second lid including a second body with anupper end, a lower opening, and a second compartment within the secondbody, the second lid being configured to selectively attach to the firstlid; and a container cup with a closed end, a sidewall, a cupcompartment defined by the sidewall and the closed end, and an upperopening, wherein the first and second lids are configured to beselectively interconnected to the container cup.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein a first food product is provided within the firstcompartment, a second food product is provided within the secondcompartment, and a third food product is provided within the cupcompartment.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second foodproducts are treated with two different food preservation processes. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the first body is oriented at an angle ofbetween approximately 93° and 99° relative to a plane defined by theupper end.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first body includesindentations forming scallops, the indentations extending from a lowerportion of the first body to the upper end of the first lid.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first lid includes an attachment meansconfigured to selectively interconnect to an engagement means of thecontainer cup.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the attachment means ofthe first lid comprises a first flange with an outer curl, the firstflange extending from the first body, and wherein the engagement meansof the container cup comprises a second flange extending from thesidewall.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first lid includes apartition wall dividing the first compartment into a first storage areaand a second storage area for storing two different food products.
 9. Afood container configured to store at least two different food products,comprising: a lid having: an upper end; a body; at least one lidcompartment within the body; a lower opening; a first flange extendingoutwardly from the body; a curl extending downwardly from an outerportion of the first flange; and an engagement feature extendinginwardly relative to an inwardly facing surface of the curl; and acontainer cup including: a closed end; a sidewall a cup compartmentdefined by the sidewall and the closed end; an upper opening; a secondflange extending outwardly from the sidewall; and a free end thatextends downwardly from an outer portion of the second flange, whereinthe engagement feature of the lid is configured to selectively engagethe container cup to interconnect the lid to the container cup.
 10. Thefood container of claim 9, wherein the lid includes a partition walldividing the at least one lid compartment into a first compartment and asecond compartment for storing different food products.
 11. The foodcontainer of claim 10, wherein: a first food product is sealed in thefirst compartment of the lid; a second food product is sealed in thesecond compartment of the lid; and a third food product is sealed in thecup compartment.
 12. The food container of claim 11, wherein the first,second, and third food products have been treated with at least twodifferent food preservation processes.
 13. The food container of claim9, wherein, when the lid and the container cup are interconnected, thelower opening of the lid is oriented toward the upper opening of thecontainer cup.
 14. The food container of claim 9, wherein, when the lidand the container cup are interconnected, a lower surface of the firstflange is generally parallel to an upper surface of the second flangeand the annular bead contacts a lower surface of the free end of thesecond flange.
 15. A lid for a food storage system, comprising: a bodywith an upper end, a lower opening, and a compartment within the bodythat is configured to store a food product; a flange extending outwardlyfrom the body; a curl extending downwardly from an outer portion of theflange; and an engagement feature extending inwardly relative to aninterior surface of the curl, wherein the flange is configured to engagea portion of a container cup to selectively interconnect the lid to thecontainer cup.
 16. The lid of claim 15, further comprising a partitionwall to divide the compartment into a first compartment and a secondcompartment for storing two different food products.
 17. The lid ofclaim 16, wherein the partition wall is fluted such that a horizontalcross-section of the partition wall includes a crest and a trough. 18.The lid of claim 15, wherein the body slopes outwardly from the upperend to the lower opening.
 19. The lid of claim 18, wherein the bodyslopes outwardly at an angle of between approximately 3° and 9° relativeto a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the upperend.
 20. The lid of claim 15, wherein the flange is approximatelyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicularto the upper end, and wherein the curl slopes outwardly relative to thelongitudinal axis.